Dr. Min Zhou

Dr. Min Zhou

Ph.D., Brown University, 1993
Sc.M., Brown University, 1990
M.S., Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1985
B.S., Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Institute, China,1982

Dr. Zhou began at Georgia tech in Fall 1995 as an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering. He presently holds a joint appointment with the School of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Prior was a Research Fellow at the California Institute of Technology

Dr. Zhou’s research interests concern material behavior over a wide range of length scales. Issues analyzed include effects of microstructure in heterogeneous materials, nanoscale deformation and failure, equivalent continuum (EC) representations of atomistic systems, and fracture. The approaches he uses emphasize both high-performance computational modeling using finite elements and molecular dynamics as well experimental characterization using laser interferometry and novel digital diagnostics.Slide3 A variety of deformation and loading conditions encountered in engineering applications are considered. Most of the conditions are not typically simulated by routine tests such as simple tension, compression and shear. Under these conditions factors such as loading rate and inertia influence the behavior of engineering materials. Using experiments and analytical approaches that explicitly account for material mesoscopic, microscopic, and nanoscopic structures, his research aims to outline the factors and mechanisms that influence material performance under given conditions. The objective is to provide guidance for the enhancement of performance through material design and synthesis.

Research Interests

•     Micro- and nano-scale behavior
•     Continuum and molecular dynamics modeling
•     Dynamic response
•     Experimental mechanics

Research

Dr. Zhou’s recent research characterized the dynamic shear failure resistance of structural metals and demonstrated Slide102the important role of microscopic damage in influencing failure processes through shear banding. Using a novel micromechanical model, he pointed out several microstructural adjustments that may improve the performance of a class of metal matrix composites in applications in which dynamic shear banding plays an important role. Using a micromechanical approach that explicitly accounts for random microstructures as well as random crack and microcrack development in heterogeneous materials, his research pointed out microstructural characteristics that significantly influence the fracture toughness of a system of ceramic composites. His latest contributions include the development of an equivalent continuum (EC) theoretical framework for linking molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics. Dr. Zhou has an intermediate-to-high strain rate material research facility which includes a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus, a tension bar apparatus, and a combined torsion-tension/torsion-compression bar apparatus.

His current research projects include the deformation and failure behavior of metallic nanowires, sponsored by NASA; multifunctional energetic materials, sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research; microstructure-induced Toughening in advanced ceramic composites with multiple micro- and nano-size scales; sponsored by the National Science Foundation; and impact damage and residual strength of structural composites, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.

Honors and Awards

•     American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow, 2005
•     Woodruff School Faculty Fellow, 2004-2008
•     Sigma Xi Georgia Tech Chapter Best Paper Award, 2004
•     Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology Associate Editor, 2001-present
•     National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Award, 2000-2005